FINAL GIRL explores the slasher flicks of the '70s and '80s...and all the other horror movies I feel like talking about, too. This is life on the EDGE, so beware yon spoilers!

Jan 11, 2010

the last decade in "I Like"

Since the rest of the world posted their End O' the Decade Specials, you know, weeks ago, I figured this would be the perfect time for me to do the same. Always on the cutting edge, c'est moi! So, what exactly is it that I've assembled here? Well, it's simply a list of horror movies I've really enjoyed from the last decade. That's it. I'm not saying they're "the best", and they're not the only horror movies I've liked- in fact, I'm not quite sure what criteria I used in choosing titles beyond "Would I watch it again? Why, yes I would!" Therefore, this list is rather Final Girl-specific...in other words, there's probably lauded films you'll be surprised to find missing, and some real pieces of crap you'll be surprised to find included, but that's just how we do here at the ol' FG. That said, there are plenty of good movies I've yet to see- at least, I hope there are- so feel free to shout 'em out loud in the comments.

I meant to include ten films from each year to make a nice-n-weighty (that's my style) master list, but damn...some years just stunk and I had a tough time finding even a couple of titles to feature (2005, I'm looking at you!). On the other hand, 2007 and 2008 saw some fucking terrific movies. Oh, and release dates/years might be wonky, as they sometimes are, but again- that's just how we do. Links to reviews are provided, if I done reviewed 'em. Oh, and they're not in any particular order, but I'm going to put an asterisk next to my favorite selection from that specific year. A couple years, phew, it was a tough choice. Anyway, without further ado...

So wait, those asterisks...does that mean that I liked The Convent more than I liked American fucking Psycho? Yes, it's true. Of the two, is The Convent the better film? Most certainly not. But "quality" doesn't always relate to "entertainment value", and I had more fun with the day-glo nuns. That's just the way it goes sometimes, homies. There's no accounting for taste.

2008 and 2009 were perhaps the most difficult for me to choose a "favorite". Did I actually enjoyMartyrs? That's really really not the right word, but it's a film I'm still thinking about months after seeing it...it's a film I'm still trying to wrap my head around enough to even write up something on it, something that the movie deserves. So yeah, I guess it was my favorite of that year. For 2009, it really came down to Drag Me to Hell and Orphan, for I so loved them both and had a grand time with each. Esther faltered a bit in the final lap, however, so the prize goes to the yuck-toothed gypsy. Hooray!

Looking back at the decade, it's remarkable how far the genre evolved between 2000- coming off the age of Scream and "WB horror"- and 2009. First of all, the WB doesn't exist anymore. Second, it seems that filmmakers are responding to the desires of the audiences (whether consciously or not) for smarter, more thought-provoking, effing scarier films. Sure there's always going to be stuff for us to complain about, from remakes to sucky sequels to general lameness, but if there's one thing I've learned from this post, it's that it's a great time to be a horror fan.

My favorite moment of the convent is when Christine tells her story and in the flashbacks, she says they noticed how strange the nuns were acting-ignoring to mention that they all looked like monsters. Apparently, this did not strike the students as abnormal.

What a fun movie. In fact, I am watching it this very second as I type this.

Dennis, thank you SO MUCH! I need to chime into your blog with a thanks. That really means a lot coming from you! :)

Yes, I love Orphan. I thought it was so much fun, and it was much better than I'd expected. The acting was terrific.

Andre, is that from your blog? Ha! :D I googled YAY and it came up on the 1st page. There was a LOLcat I was going to use, but Jesus riding Falcor really can't be denied. I steal, but I don't hotlink...which I guess is like saying I don't commit murder, only homicide. Or something.

Robson, I haven't actually SEEN Anal Paprika (nor used it, I suppose I should mention)- the title just came up in a search. I can't say I'm not completely intrigued, however!

I have almost entirely good memories of The Ring – I was working on a DVD mag when it came out and saw a press screening about six months before its cinema release. Every journalist in there, before it started, said "I don't like horror films!" except me; when we all walked out, they all looked like someone had shit on their pillows and made them sleep in it. I liked it so much I paid to see it when it was released with my flatmate, and (I don't know if they do this un the US, but it's true for the UK) when the quick cut comes to the girl's deformed face early on, the cinema erupted and everyone started chatting. It's a reassurance thing for audiences, I think. A sure sign that the scare really, really worked.Also interviewed Martin Henderson for this - lovely fella.

Hahah Well I used it in my "5 Things I learned This Year" post. I'm glad I'm not the only person that uses strange words to google image search! I also tried "Exciting!" "Awesome!" and "Best Thing Ever" but none of those were as rewarding as Yay! I need this image on a t-shirt ASAP!

I enjoyed Orphan for what it was, too, though Peter Sarsgaard's character annoyed me a bit...his intelligence as an actor shines through too much for him to be playing someone so a) oblivious and b) tripping off a single bottle of wine as if he'd dropped some major acid.

Andre- That. Is. Rad. I found briefcase woman the same way- I'm not sure what exactly I googled, but it was something ridiculous. Apparently you're mah sista from anutha mista!

Repoman- I know...I KNOW. That was a tough one, and I feel...I don't know. Maybe I caved. Shark Attack 3 is in a category all its own- maybe it didn't seem fair to choose it. Oh, the dilemmas of the heart!

Great list, in that I completely agree with the ones I've seen -- yay, Convent! -- and am intrigued by the titles I haven't. But should have. But didn't. Except for the titles I haven't heard of. But now must check out.

Did you catch Alien Raiders? Silly name, but one of those flicks that had me from the opening credits (Siouxsie!) all the way to the final line. Thematically an older sister to Splinter, it's one D2DVD that I thought should have played in theaters.

I've heard Alien Raiders is quite good, from the few who've actually seen it. I'll have to check it out.

As for Trick r Treat...yeah, maybe I should've included it. I don't know. I didn't remember it when I was making the lists, so that's kind of an indicator, I think. Honestly, I didn't love it as much as I wanted to. I sort of enjoyed it, but I wasn't blown away.

Maybe because I was REALLY hungover when I watched it, I don't know...